Local anglers to compete in college event

Several local anglers will compete Jan. 12 on Lake Okeechobee in the first of four stops in the Southeastern Conference college fishing series. Fifty college teams will be competing for a top award of $2,000 and a berth in the Southeastern Conference Invitational tournament.

“This is going to be a very fun tournament,” said Evinrude pro Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup Champion who has five top-10 finishes on his home waters of Lake Okeechobee.

“Water levels on Lake Okeechobee are a lot higher this year, and the college anglers are going to be able to fish wherever they want to. There is so much more fishable water now; it’s really pretty amazing.”

The event is run through FLW College Fishing. Competing are Hunter Cockram and Matthew Garvin of York (Clemson University), Shane Lehew of Charlotte (UNC-Charlotte) and Zack Davis of Rock Hill (University of South Carolina).

Digital Access for only $0.99

FLW College Fishing teams compete in four qualifying events in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top 15 teams from each regular-season tournament will qualify for one of five conference invitational tournaments. The top 10 teams from each conference invitational tournament will advance to the 2014 FLW College Fishing National Championship.

With eight tournaments in all, the next event is Jan. 5. Launch is at 8 a.m. and weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the Buster Boyd Access Area. Other dates are Jan. 12, Jan. 19 and Jan. 26. The fish off Feb. 2 is guaranteed $5,000 payouts with field of 75.

The Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo is scheduled Jan. 11-13 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Three seminar rooms operate simultaneously every hour on the hour during the show. Saltwater anglers are introduced to regional and local professionals who fish the North Carolina coastal waters almost every day.

Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission, good for all three days with return pass, costs $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 60 and older and military, $5 for junior anglers ages 6-12. Tickets are available in advance online at ncboatshows.com.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association warns boaters of the potential dangers of fuel with a high volume of ethanol.

Contrary to studies showing ethanol is hazardous to marine engines, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a plan submitted by the ethanol industry that allows E15 to enter the marketplace.

There are serious and documented human safety, environmental and technological concerns associated with ethanol blends more than over 10 percent in recreational boat fuel tanks and engines.

That means Anything above E10 can pose problems, including performance issues such as stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines and gaskets.

It is important for consumers to stay aware at local gas pumps, checking for high ethanol fuels and to use only E10 or lower in their vessels.

Read Next

York County, South Carolina customers of Carolina Water Service could see annual rate changes without hearing or notice until after changes filed with the state Public Service Commission. Lake Wylie among them.